sliders with smoked mozzarella and fire roasted red peppers

This simple recipe is insanely delicious and filling. You would never believe it’s calorie conscious!

• 

• 

NOTES

Yield: 12 patties; 6 sandwiches
Nutrition: 400 calories per double stacked burger; 300 calories per single stacked burger

INGREDIENTS

Sliders
24 oz ground sirloin (92% lean)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tsp steak seasoning (I used Simply Organic)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 whole wheat slider buns
3 slices hickory smoked mozzarella cheese
fresh spinach
1/2 c jarred fire roasted red pepper, sliced into thin strips.

Burger Sauce
1/2 c mayo (I used Kraft olive oil mayo)
2 tbsp ketchup
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce OR 1/2 tsp pickle juice

METHOD

Burgers

1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
2. Combine dry ingredients (steak seasoning, salt, and pepper) in a bowl.
3. Place ground sirloin in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over the ground beef.
4. Using your hands, gently mix the sirloin until the seasoning is just combined–careful not to over-handle the mixture, which may cause toughness.
5. Drizzle Worcestershire sauce over the mixture and gently combine with your hands.
6. Break out small pieces of the sirloin mixture, approximately 2 ounces each, and roll into a ball. Repeat for remaining 11 patties.
7. Cut cheese slices into four equal squares, yielding 12 pieces.
8. Place on the grill for patties on the grill. Using a large flat spatula, press the patties down to flatten them. Grill 3-4 minutes each side, turning only once.
9. With one minute left in the grill time, place the mozzarella squares on top of each patty.
10. Remove from the grill onto a fresh plate, cover immediately with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
11. Meanwhile, prepare the sandwiches. Lather 1-2 tsp of the burger sauce onto the inside of a bun. Place 4-5 fresh spinach leaves on top of the bottom bun. Then place slices of roasted red pepper on top of spinach.
12. Once burgers have come to rest, place one or two patties on top the peppers and spinach. Enjoy!
    

Burger Sauce

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until fully incorporated.
2. Cover and chill for at least two hours.
3. Enjoy!